Münster's art hotels

More than 200 pieces of original modern art and dozens of signed posters fill Horst Heiringhoff's friendly inn, the Central. The Mauritzhof bills itself as "Münster's Design-Hotel," one of a growing number of hotels that use different original works of art to create a distinct ambiance in each room. In the century-old Hotel Kaiserhof, guests find older, more traditional art and antiques.

Central
Horst Heiringhoff is perhaps, more than anything else, a collector of art and a supporter of artists. More than 200 pieces of original modern art and dozens of signed posters fill his friendly inn, both in public spaces and in each hotel room. Many pieces were donated by artists who lived there or whose galleries Heiringhoff visited and supported.

In many ways, the Central is really like an art gallery with hotel rooms (20 rooms, studios and suites). It's more personal than most hotels, almost home-like. Guests are greeted in a front parlor; no registration desk is evident. Like much of the art, the hotel is modern and features all expected amenities. It's difficult to recommend rooms; Heiringhoff prefers to discuss tastes and preferences with prospective guests and then make recommendations. Indeed, he doesn't even have a price list, other than one required by law to show the maximum (€130 double). "Some of it depends on what I have available and on the time of year, but some of it depends on how I feel about the person: What are his circumstances? Why does he want to come here? Do I like him?" One best bet, however, is the guesthouse just a few doors down. It's a wonderful marriage of medieval half-timber architecture melded with modern architecture: steel girders integrated with wood and stone. The hotel is across the street from the Landesmuseum and barely a block from new Picasso Museum.

Mauritzhof
The Mauritzhof bills itself as "Münster's Design-Hotel," one of a growing number of hotels that avoid the mass production look of some lodgings and instead use different original works of art to create a distinct ambiance in each room. Entrance is through a modern foyer with reception kiosk in the center, a sitting area to the left, and bar and snack area to the right.

All rooms either have the usual high-standard amenities, as well as air conditioning or a less intrusive air exchange system. Nearly 80 percent of guests are repeat visitors, most of whom have become drawn to individual rooms. One favorite, room 79 on the top floor, offers wooden floors and slanted roof. Many return guests prefer rooms that overlook the green, wooded, quiet Promenade. Friends traveling together often opt for basement rooms 10-12, which share a private courtyard.

Hotel Kaiserhof
Those who prefer older, more traditional art and antiques may like the century-old Hotel Kaiserhof, owned by the Cremer family for nearly 60 years. For the current generation, currently overseeing extensive renovations, it's a work of love. Personally selected antiques, sculptures, paintings and tapestries fill the public spaces (as do flowers and bowls of fruit, for guests who need a snack).

The feeling is like visiting some dear, sophisticated, wealthy relatives: You feel entirely welcome and comfortable, but an occasional "wow" may escape your lips. "I don't want people just to sleep here," Herr Cremer says. "I want them to relax and take in the atmosphere." That atmosphere varies wonderfully from floor-to-floor.

The 108 rooms and four suites are spread across four themed floors: 1st-Mediterranean, 2nd-Kaiser, 3rd-Art, 4th-Classical, 5th-Avant Garde. Those who like history may enjoy the second floor. Others may prefer the zebra designs in the carpets on the fifth floor. Each floor is different, each room individually designed.

This article appeared in its original form in "Gemuetlichkeit German Travel Newsletter".  www.gemut.com